Sinn Féin will oppose Hightown Incinerator application - Kelly

Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly has stated
that the application for planning permission for an incinerator at Hightown on
the outskirts of North Belfast by the arc21 group is a bad idea and shows
clearly that those behind the project have not listened to very real concerns
about such a plant in Belfast.

Speaking today Mr Kelly said:

“This
planning application for the Hightown incineration
plant has been long delayed due to the huge local opposition
against it.

“There’s
massive concern in the area about the impact of this proposal and it is clear that those behind the arc21 project have
not listened.

“The air
quality alerts in the Belfast basin have already
been highlighted as very poor especially in high pressure weather conditions
when the fumes cannot escape and collect over Belfast.

“Add to this the predicted hundreds of lorry journeys each
and every day through the heart of this community
transporting large amounts of waste and it is clear
that any incinerator is a bad idea.

“The long
term viability is extremely questionable and we could soon become a net
importer of waste from other jurisdictions.

“Sinn Féin are against the process of
incineration across Ireland as a method of dealing with waste.

“We are calling on other political parties to publicly state their position on this proposal. A united
opposition to this plant would much better serve those who would be affected.

“There
will now be a series of local public meetings opposing the application and Sinn Féin will continue to fight this proposal tooth and nail alongside local residents throughout
the planning process.”